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Mahonia bealei is one of the important members of the genus Mahonia and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Several compounds isolated from this plant have exhibited useful biological activities. Polysaccharides, an important biomacromolecule have been underexplored in case of M. bealei. In this study, hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation were used for the extraction of polysaccharides from the stem of M. bealei, and then extract was purified using ultrafiltration membrane at 50,000 Da cut off value. Characterization of the purified M. bealei polysaccharide (MBP) was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), along with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray crystallography XRD analysis and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The purified polysaccharide MBP was tested for antioxidant potential by determining its reducing power, besides determining the DPPH, ABTS, superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging along with ferrous ion chelating activities. An increased antioxidant activity of the polysaccharide was reported with increase in concentration (0.5 to 5 mg/ml) for all the parameters. Antimicrobial potential was determined against gram positive and gram-negative bacteria. 20 µg/ml MBP was found appropriate with 12 h incubation period against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis bacteria. We conclude that polysaccharides from M. bealei possess potential ability of biological importance; however, more studies are required for elucidation of their structure and useful activities.

Background Despite significant advances in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVDs), there is still a large burden of CVD in the world. The inclusion of functional foods in the diet may provide beneficial effects on CVD. Purple-black barberry due to its richness in anthocyanins and berberine has shown beneficial effects on cardiometabolic factors. We investigated the effects of barberry on plasma lipids as well as inflammatory biomarkers in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. Methods This was an 8-weeks, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial that the participants were randomly assigned to a barberry (10 g/day dried barberry) or placebo group. At baseline and end of the study, plasma lipid profiles including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), small-dense LDL-C (sd-LDL-C), non-HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C, as well as inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to study groups. The mean (± SD) participants' age was 54.06 ± 10.19 years. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and dietary intake were not different between the two groups at baseline and the end of the study. After adjusting for baseline values, we observed a significant decrease in plasma levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, sd-LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C (p p = 0.011, p = 0.015, p = 0.019, p = 0.004, and p = 0.039 respectively) as well as CRP (p = 0.020) in the barberry group compared to the placebo group. Conclusions Our results indicate that purple-black barberry consumption decreases plasma levels of CRP and improves lipid profile in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. Trial registration This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number: NCT04084847).

Disturbances in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance can occur in metabolic syndrome. Here, we present a protocol for the setup of a clinical trial of metabolic syndrome patients treated with berberine, a dietary phytochemical of the Berberis vulgaris plant, or placebo. The main aim is to obtain a quick and real-time assessment on the overall redox state based on measurement of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance.

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, which causes yellow (or stripe) rust on wheat, is a macrocyclic and heteroecious fungus. In this study, we investigated whether Berberis vulgaris subsp. seroi and B. vulgaris subsp. australis, which are indigenous in Spain, may serve as alternate hosts for P. striiformis f. sp. tritici. Wheat leaves bearing telia of an isolate of P. striiformis f. sp. tritici were harvested and used to inoculate plants of both barberry subspecies. Pycnia were observed on the adaxial side of the leaves from 10 days after inoculation (dai). Following successful fertilization, aecia were observed on the abaxial side of the leaves from 16 dai. At 27 dai, barberry leaves bearing aecia were detached and used to inoculate susceptible wheat seedlings of cultivar Morocco. Uredinia were observed on wheat seedlings from 12 days after aeciospore exposure. Eighty-three single lesions were recovered from individual wheat leaves, of which 43 were genotyped using 19 P. striiformis f. sp. tritici simple sequence repeat markers (SSR). In total, 19 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) were identified among the 43 progeny isolates. The SSR genotyping confirmed that all 43 isolates were derived from the parental isolate. Seven heterozygous SSR markers showed segregation among the progenies, whereas none of the 12 homozygous markers resulted in segregation. These results demonstrated that B. vulgaris subspp. seroi and australis can serve as alternate hosts for P. striiformis f. sp. tritici, which may result in novel virulence combinations that can have a detrimental impact on wheat production. Although P. striiformis f. sp. tritici has not been detected on these barberry species in nature, this study highlights the importance of rust surveillance in barberry areas where suitable conditions for completion of the sexual life cycle may be present. This research was supported by the European Commission, Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020-Sustainable Food Security (grant number 773311-2, RUSTWATCH) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Delivering Genetic Gain in Wheat, DGGW)

Berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt and naturally occurring benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, present in numerous medicinal herbs’ roots and stem bark as an active constituent, especially in the genus Berberis. It contains many pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, antidepressant, antidiarrheal, antibacterial any many more. Since nature is the best healer, it has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to mitigate several disease conditions. Besides the beneficial effects of berberine, some drawbacks such as its poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability hinder its applications. Although it has been used for dietary supplements, despite its vast potential to evolve as a drug candidate, there are no approved pure berberine formulations available in market for any particular disease. Therefore, this review provides an overview to the reader by incorporating recent studies on berberine's sources, extraction techniques, chemistry, different Nano carriers and bioavailability enhancers for enhancing bioavailability, versatile applications, toxicological aspects and recent patents along with future perspectives. The accumulated evidence may broaden the horizon of drug designers, scientists, academicians, and researchers on berberine and help design and develop effective berberine formulations on a large scale for treating several diseases.

The present study focuses on exploring the presence of phytochemicals, antioxidants and antimicrobial potential of methanolic extract of root of Berberis aristata. The preliminary qualitative analysis of phytochemicals, free radical scavenging activity, antimicrobial potential and FTIR spectrophotometry were investigated from the root extracts of Berberis aristrata. Methanolic extract of root showed the presence of phytochemicals like alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins. Further antioxidant assay like DPPH (Diphenyl -2-Picrylhydrazyl) assay was done. DPPH free radical scavenging activity was expressed in % inhibition. In present study, the % inhibition of methanolic extract was 52% and IC50 value was 26^g/ml. Antimicrobial screening showed good positive results with tested pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas areginousa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans. The FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer) spectroscopic studies revealed different characteristic peak values which confirmed that there is presence of various phytocompounds such as lipids, proteins in the methanolic root extracts. The FTIR method was performed on a spectrophotometer system, which was used to detect the representative peak values along with their functional groups. The results of the present study generated the FTIR spectrum profile for the medicinally important plant Berberis aristata. This preliminary study shows that root part of Berberis aristata is a promising herb with many phytochemicals, antioxidants and antimicrobial potential.

We, the Editor and Publisher of Journal of Plant Interactions have retracted the following article: Journal of Plant Interactions: Sajid Mehmood, Marina Sajid, Lili Huang & Zhensheng Kang (2020) Alternate hosts and their impact on genetic diversity of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and disease epidemics, Journal of Plant Interactions, 15:1, 153-165, DOI: 10.1080/17429145.2020.1771445 . The above article has been retracted as a result of the Editor and the Publisher determining, through post-publication review, that there is significant overlap with a previously published article by the same authors, Mehmood S, Sajid M, Zhao J, Huang L, Kang Z. Alternate Hosts of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and Their Role. Pathogens. 2020; 9(6):434. . We have had the full cooperation of the authors during our investigations. We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as “Retracted”.

Today, many living organisms are negatively affected by climate change and anthropogenic activities, which leads to a decrease in their numbers. One of these rare and endangered plant species is the Ili barberry (Berberis iliensis) and the Karkaraly barberry (Berberis karkaralensis). This work is devoted to the optimization study of the cultivation conditions for a rare and endangered species of Ili barberry and Karkaralinsky barberry in vitro. To obtain sterile and viable explants, the sterilizing agent was a solution of 0.5% «Domestos» (7 min). For the regeneration of the main shoot of the barberry, the optimal nutrient medium is Murashige and Skoogwith the addition of 6-benzylaminopurine- 0.5 mg/l, gibberellic acid- 1.0 mg/l, indole-3-butyric acid -0.01 mg/l, where regeneration was 80% for the Ili barberry, barberry karkaralinsky - 70%. For the multiplication of Berberis iliensis microshoots, the Quoirin & Lepoivre culture medium with the addition of 0.75 mg/l - benzylaminopurine is optimal; the number of microshoots formed was 3.6 per explant. Root formation is one of the most difficult stages in micropropagation. For the rooting of microshoots of Karkaralinsky barberry, a nutrient medium of ½ Murashige and Skoog was used with the addition of indolylbutyric acid -1.5 mg/l.

Berberis, one of the major sources of berberine and polyphenols, is widely accepted genus for its medicinal properties. The inclusion of these phytochemicals in different health formulations has widened its scope in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. In the present study, multi-component analysis (MCA) has been used to extract these nutraceutical compounds from Berberis jaeschkeana roots under microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions. To determine the optimum extraction condition, different factors, including, microwave power, sample to solvent ratio, irradiation time, solvent pH and solvent concentration were tested under 42 experiments. The MCA includes, Plackett-Burmen and Central Composite Design and analyzes model fitness, regression coefficient (β), analysis of variance (ANOVA) and 3D response curve. The results showed significant model fitness and involvement of linear, quadratic and interactive effect of different factors. Under optimized MAE condition, [i.e. 1 g of sample extracted through 70 mL of a solution (100% methanol pH 2.0), provided microwave power of 598 W for 2 min of irradiation time], the berberine and palmatine contents were recorded as 46.38 mg g−1 and 20.54 mg g−1 respectively. Under optimized condition, the yield of alkaloids were found closer to the models’ predicted value. Similarly, total phenolic content and antioxidant activities were also found closer to the models’ predicted value. To test the suitability of the optimized MAE condition for other species i.e., Berberis asiatica, extraction of alkaloids and polyphenolics was conducted and recorded higher yield to the previous records. Moreover, under optimum extraction condition, six and seven polyphenolic compounds from B. jaeschkeana and B. asiatica were quantified respectively. The proposed MAE optimization design using MCA contributes towards faster and greener extraction of alkaloids and polyphenolics with higher yield. Moreover these greener approaches could sustainably utilize species during extract preparation and harnessing its nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential. This study design could also be replicated on other valuable species or compounds for effective extraction of nutraceutical components and sustainable utilization of natural products.

In the present research work the phytochemical and Chromatographic separation of bio active compounds Berberis lycium occurred. Phytochemical investigation of the CH2 Cl2 /CH3 OH (1:1) extract ethanol of root shown the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones and alkaloids, steroids and tannins was absent. Chromatographic separation of CH2 Cl2 /CH3 OH (1:1) root ethanol extract yielded methyl 9, 10-dihydro-3, 8-hydroxy-6-methyl-9, 10-dioxoanthracene-2- carboxylate, isolated for the first time from the species of Berberis lycium. With the help of spectroscopic methods (IR, 1 H NMR, 13C NMR, and DEPT-135 and UV-Vis,) Partial characterization of the isolated compound was done.

Particulate matter in European cities, especially in urban areas, is mainly from urban road traffic and constitutes a great threat to the health of inhabitants. Therefore, understanding of the role of common urban roadside plant plays for particulate matter (PM) reduction would have important meaning for the mitigation of urban air pollution. The leaf surface PM capturing capacity of 12 representative urban plants (five shrubs and seven trees) alongside one main street in Hanover Germany was explored in this study. Significant differences for the amount of captured PM (both PM10 and PM2.5) on the leaf surface were found between plant species. Leaves of Taxus baccata, Berberis thunbergii, Pinus nigra, and Quercus robur showed the highest capturing capacity, while leaves of Prunus laurocerasus and Carpinus betulus showed the lowest value. Leaf shape is an important factor which affects the capturing capacity of the tested plant species. Needle-leaved pants were relatively more effective than broad-leaved species. Besides, species with small leaf surface area (0–10 cm2) showed a notably higher capacity than species with large leaf surface area (over 100 cm2). Additionally, by the observation of leaf surface characteristics, plant species with rough and hairy leaf surface tended to be more effective than species with smooth leaf surface. More PM was found distributed on the upper leaf surface close to the midrib rather than on the surface area away from it. At last, no significant correlation was found between the leaf surface contact angle and its PM capturing capacity for the 12 tested plant species in September. In summary, leaf traits including leaf form, leaf shape, leaf surface area, leaf surface hydrophilicity and leaf surface characteristics all have notable effects on the PM capturing capacity of the roadside plant species. This study provides a scientific basis for roadside plants as an eco-friendly solution for the reduction of urban traffic–related PM and stresses the importance of leaf traits as criteria for the plant selection.

The study dealt with the patterns of adaptation of the genus Berberis L. low-abundant alien plants to the climatic conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine. The success of the introduction, which was conducted on the territory of the Botanical Garden of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (city of Dnipro) near 60 years ago, was evaluated by a set of indicators. According to the study of phenological rhythms, introduced plants can be characterized as plants with a relatively short growing season, a relatively long shoot growth, a short flowering period and a long maturing period. This indicates the lability of the phenological rhythms of the introduced plants, which respond to changes in environmental conditions in terms of the beginning and end of the phenological phases. The aquatic regime of introduced plants reflects the level of their adaptation to the environment due to the ability of plant organism to withstand water consumption. The study of water exchange features of Berberis L. plants revealed a moderate decrease in the intensity of transpiration and a moderate water deficit in the plant leaves, which indicates the adaptation of the species to the difficult climatic conditions of the steppe zone. The response of introduced plants to the level of moisture in the steppe region confirmed the universal mechanism of plant adaptation to arid conditions. Comparative analysis of the reproductive ability of introduced plants of the genus Berberis L. in the conditions of the Botanical Garden revealed a significant variability of quantitative indicators. The weight of 100 fruits ranged from 12.5 g (B. vulgaris) to 16.3 g (B. declinata). Seed length varied from 4.5 mm (B. canadensis) to 5.2 mm (B. declinata, B. amurensis), seed width varied from 1.8 mm (B. amurensis, B. vulgaris) to 2.1 mm (B. koreana). The highest mass of 1000 seeds was observed in the species B. koreana. To compare sample averages, the criterion for the significant difference of Tukey's group averages was used. The investigated plants of the genus Berberis L. can be recommended for the introduction into large-scale and individual gardening in order to expand the range of fruit products and obtain biologically valuable raw materials for the industrial production of functional products.

Non-native Berberis aquifolium is an invasive species in Belgian coastal dunes. With its strong clonal growth through suckers, this evergreen shrub outcompetes native species and affects dune succession. To prevent further secondary spread and mitigate its impact, there was an urgent need for knowledge on the effectiveness of control measures, both at the plant and habitat level. Here, we report on a first control experiment. Individual B. aquifolium clones were subjected to one of four treatments (manual uprooting, foliar herbicide application, stem cutting followed by herbicide or salt application), with regrowth being measured up to one year after treatment. We analyzed the relationship between kill rate, treatment, dune area, plant volume and number of plant stems using a generalized linear model. Berberis aquifolium plants proved most susceptible to foliar herbicide application (5% glyphosate solution), resulting in 88% (64%–97%) of the clones dying after treatment. The predicted kill rate decreased with an increasing number of stems under all treatments. We discuss the limitations of our experiment and the potential for actual field application of the different treatments. We present some guidelines for future control that may become further refined as experience builds up and we provide some recommendations for tackling invasive alien species in Atlantic dune ecosystems.

A fixed combination of Berberis aristata and Silybum marianum (Berberol) has been used by patients with dyslipidaemia. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of B. aristata and S. marianum (Berberol) on serum lipid levels compared to placebo in a meta-analysis based on randomised, controlled trials. The meta-analysis was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, using the PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, outcome) format, and it was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies. Placebo-controlled clinical studies involving adult patients with a condition of dyslipidaemia and receiving a fixed combination of B. aristata and S. marianum were included. Four randomised trials, including a total of 491 patients, were pooled in statistical analysis. According to the present meta-analysis, Berberol significantly lowered the low-density lipoprotein level, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose levels, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment index compared to placebo; however, its effects on the high-density lipoprotein level, triglyceride level, and body mass index were not statistically significant by the end of a 3-month treatment period. Berberol appeared to be safe, and it did not increase the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and creatine kinase enzymes. Berberol is an effective and presumably safe complementary therapy for the treatment of dyslipidaemia; however, the evidence supporting its use is very limited. The optimum dose and duration of treatment are unclear. A comprehensive evaluation of efficacy and safety is required in further high-quality clinical studies involving larger patient populations.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) fruits contain bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. The inclusion of barberry pomace (BP) in finishing diets could potentia...

Berberis (Barberry) species contain an important amount of alkaloids and are commonly used in traditional medicine. Alkaloids are preponderantly characterized by their numerous properties including anticancer activity. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect and the mechanism of action of the Algerian Berberis hispanica alkaloids extract (BHAE) on Hep-2 laryngeal cancer cells. In this purpose, total alkaloids were extracted from the roots bark of the plant, then, were submitted to HPLC analysis. In order to determine the cells inhibition concentration (IC50), we used the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cells were enumerated using Trypan blue exclusion assay and viability by cell cycle analysis. The morphology was assessed by coloration with May Grunwald Giemsa (MGG). The evaluation of such stress markers as malondialdehyde (MDA), cytochrome c, p38MAPK, NF-kB, Akt, Erk 1/ 2 and p53 was assessed by colorimetric assays and western blotting. Our results demonstrated that BHAE contains Berberine, an isoquinoline plant alkaloid. The IC50 was determined at 75 μg/mL and the treatment of Hep-2 cells with this dose showed anti-proliferative effect and increased SubG0 cell population (cells undergoing apoptosis) in treated cells (15.4%). Further, the coloration of fixed cells showed that BHAE induced cells density and morphological changes. Moreover, our results showed that the treatment induced elevation of MDA, cytochrome c, p38MAPK and NF-kB level, but did not affect Akt and Erk 1/2 rates. We have also observed that the treatment with BHAE enhanced the expression of p53. Taken together, our results suggest that the BHAE triggered cell death by activation of apoptosis through ROS induction.

The process of invasion, naturalization, dispersion and invasive activity of non-native woody species in 5 regional floras, 5 urban floras and over 30 floras of the protected areas is discussed. It has been established that 182 non-native species out of 95 genera and 45 families are currently at different naturalization stages in the spontaneous flora of Ukraine. In terms of life-forms, they may be divided as follows: trees – 41%, shrubs – 35%, trees/shrubs – 15%, lianas – 9%. Most species spread both via seed dispersal and the vegetative way – 56%, using only seed dispersal – 42%, only the vegetative way – 2%. According to the preliminary rating of species-wise invasive activity, 71 species (40%) have naturalized completely, among them 20 invasive species, including 12 transformer species, 29 potentially invasive species, and 22 naturalized species which demonstrate no invasive tendencies. The initial stages of invasion of 111 species are as follows: introduction – 9%, survival – 36%, adaptation of the reproductive sphere – 28%, establishment, formative of local populations – 27%. In terms of dispersion, non-naturalized species are divided as follows: rare – 45%, local – 16%, sporadic – 6%, unique – 12%, spreading under control beyond collections and expositions in botanical gardens and arboretums – 21%. Twelve transformer species, the greatest threat to local diversity, are Acer negundo, Ailanthus altissima, Amorpha fruticosa, Bupleurum fruticosum, Elaeagnus angustifolia, E. rhamnoides, Fraxinus ornus, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, P. vitacea, Robinia pseudoacacia, Rhamnus alaternus, Salix × blanda and 8 invasive proper species: Berberis aquifolia, Colutea orientalis, Daphne laureola, Prunus cerasifera, P. serotina, Quercus ilex, Viburnum tinus, Vitis vinifera. The list of alien species, most widespread in 50 regions of Europe, includes Robinia pseudoacacia (42 regions), Ailanthus altissima (40), Acer negundo (38), Prunus cerasus (34), Quercus rubra (34), Rosa rugosa (34), Prunus domestica (31). The mitigation of the impacts of these species on local biodiversity is possible via the restoration of local native plant communities, land use organization, strict selection of introduced species prior to the introduction, culture of planting management, preventive measures and extending awareness and sharing of information about plant invasions. Therefore, Ukraine’s spontaneous flora is notable for the active process of naturalization of non-native woody species with considerable involvement of invasive alien species. This is the first and preliminary evaluation of the invasive activity of woody species in Ukraine’s flora. The manifestations of the global tendency of increased involvement and invasive activity of alien woody species in domestic flora have been confirmed. These conclusions are also relevant for elaborating the system of preventive, containing and mitigating measures regarding plant invasions in Ukraine.

In the present research, investigation of the practical utility of barberry stem powder (BSP) and barberry stem ash (BSA) for humic acid (HA) removal from an aqueous medium by adsorption was carried out. The adsorption process was tested by varying of pH (3–11), reaction time (5–20 min), initial HA concentration (5–40 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (1–4 g/L), and temperature (15–35 °C). The isothermal results revealed that the adsorption process is favorable for both used adsorbents and it is highly described using the Freundlich and Langmuir models (R2 > 0.960). Also, the maximum uptakes of BSP and BSA for HA were 20.220 and 16.950 mg/g at the abovementioned optimized conditions (pH = 7, reaction time = 10 min, temperature = 15 °C, initial HA concentration = 40 mg/L, and adsorbent amount = 1.0 g/L), respectively. The results achieved from the fitting of the experimental data with Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model showed that the HA molecules are adsorbed onto the BSP and BSA by physiosorption process. From the thermodynamic study, it appeared that the biosorption process of the HA onto two studied adsorbents was of exothermic nature. The kinetics of the adsorption process of HA has been found to be pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.930–0.999). Thus, the results obtained from this paper elucidated that the BSP exhibited higher adsorption capacity in comparison to BSA, for HA removal up to permissible concentrations.

Obesity is a major worldwide health threat. It is characterized by an abnormal adipose tissue overgrowth together with increased monocytes infiltration, causing inflammation and oxidative stress, events associated with several illnesses. Investigations have focused on the benefits of native fruit consumption, claiming these to be natural sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics. It has been widely stated that berries are a source of the most antioxidant compounds, and, thus, seem highly promising to endure research efforts on these vegetal matrices. The present article describes botanical, chemical and biomedical features of the Chilean native berries, Aristotelia chilensis, Ugni molinae, and Berberis microphylla. This work aims to potentiate incoming research focused on the search for novel treatments for first-order diseases with these particular plant sources.

Background Non-host resistance (NHR) presents a compelling long-term plant protection strategy for global food security, yet the genetic basis of NHR remains poorly understood. For many diseases, including stem rust of wheat [causal organism Puccinia graminis (Pg)], NHR is largely unexplored due to the inherent challenge of developing a genetically tractable system within which the resistance segregates. The present study turns to the pathogen’s alternate host, barberry (Berberis spp.), to overcome this challenge. Results In this study, an interspecific mapping population derived from a cross between Pg-resistant Berberis thunbergii (Bt) and Pg-susceptible B. vulgaris was developed to investigate the Pg-NHR exhibited by Bt. To facilitate QTL analysis and subsequent trait dissection, the first genetic linkage maps for the two parental species were constructed and a chromosome-scale reference genome for Bt was assembled (PacBio + Hi-C). QTL analysis resulted in the identification of a single 13 cM region (~ 5.1 Mbp spanning 13 physical contigs) on the short arm of Bt chromosome 3. Differential gene expression analysis, combined with sequence variation analysis between the two parental species, led to the prioritization of several candidate genes within the QTL region, some of which belong to gene families previously implicated in disease resistance. Conclusions Foundational genetic and genomic resources developed for Berberis spp. enabled the identification and annotation of a QTL associated with Pg-NHR. Although subsequent validation and fine mapping studies are needed, this study demonstrates the feasibility of and lays the groundwork for dissecting Pg-NHR in the alternate host of one of agriculture’s most devastating pathogens. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12870-019-1893-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Due to overlapping and diverse morphological characters, Berberis is among the most taxonomically complex genera. Palynology is one of the taxonomic tools for delimitation and identification of complex species. In this study, pollens of 10 Berberis species were analyzed through light and scanning electron microscopy. Qualitative as well as quantitative features (pollen shape, size, presence or absence of colpi, colpi length and width, exine thickness, ornamentation, pollen class, aperture, and polar-equatorial ratio) were measured. Five species were observed to have colpate (pantocolpate) with elongated ends, radially symmetrical, isopolar, monads, and psilate-regulate pollens. In polar view, six pollen were spheroidal, two were ovoid, one spherical, and one oblate. Similarly, variation in pollen length was prominent and the largest pollen on polar view was recorded for B. psodoumbellata 60-65 μm (62.4 ± 0.9), while the smallest one was observed for B. lycium 29-35 μm (32.2 ± 1). The observed variation in both quantitative and qualitative features were important in taxonomic identification. This shows that palynological characters are helpful in identification of Berberis genus at the species level.

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the antidiarrheal effect of Berberis heteropoda Schrenk roots (BHS), which are used by Chinese minorities to treat diarrhea, through regulation of intestinal flora and related signaling pathways. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: Control group (Con), Model group (Mod), three BHS groups (BHS-L (0.65 g/kg), BHS-M (1.955 g/kg), BHS-H (5.86 g/kg) and Bifidobacterium group (Bif). The model of diarrhea-based irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS) was induced by intragastric administration combined with restraint stress. The CRD method was used to determine the AWR score and the Bristol fecal score. Quantification of the intestinal bacteria groups in feces was performed using colony counting on plates. The mRNA expression levels of Gpr41, Gpr43, TLR2, TLR4, and nuclear protein κB were determined by qRT-PCR, and the relative abundances of intestinal flora in the intestinal contents were determined by high-throughput gene sequencing ratios. Results Oral administration of BHS (L, M and H) significantly reduced the AWR score and the Bristol fecal score, significantly relieved diarrhea in D-IBS rats, reduced the number of Enterococci and Enterobacteria in feces, increased the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and upregulated the expression of SCFA in plasma. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of TLR2, TLR4, Gpr41, Gpr43 and NF-κB in the BHS groups was downregulated. D-IBS rats reduced the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora and BHS (L, M and H) regulated the abundance and diversity of their intestinal flora. Conclusion The above data suggest that BHS potentially alleviates diarrhea, intestinal flora disorder and intestinal inflammation in D-IBS rats by regulating the immunological pathways. BHS is a promising agent in the treatment of D-IBS.

One of the methods for breeding of fruit trees is the identification and selection of superior genotypes in different regions. Owing to climate changes in the recent years and the urgent need to changing the pattern of cultivation, it is essential to use adapted species to climatic conditions. Barberry is one of the plants that have been naturally grown in some areas of Isfahan province. For accessing the promising genotypes of barberry in Isfahan province, this research was carried out in the main areas of barberry growing. For this purpose, some physiological and pomological traits of about 100 barberry genotypes from different regions of Isfahan province were evaluated according to Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants descriptor. Evaluated traits were recorded in each year in four stages, including the physiological dormancy of the tree, the flowering, the vegetative growth of the tree as well as the ripening and harvesting time of berry stages from 2014 to 2016. According to the results, seven genotypes were selected, including Dolat Abad, Semirom, Dehaghan, Red leaf, and Evergreen genotypes as well as two wild genotypes. The results showed that the berry length ranged from 1.06 to 9 mm and the berry width ranged from 0.4 to 5.2 mm. The dried barberry per kilogram of fresh berries was between 200 and 700 g. The leaf length and leaf width of the studied genotypes were in the range 26–81 and 9–26 mm, respectively. The thorn length varied between 9 and 91 mm. The seed length and seed width were recorded in the range 0–4.5 and 0–2.6 mm, respectively. Dolat Abad and Dehaghan genotypes had the highest berry length and berry width, respectively. The most dried barberry per kilogram of fresh berries belonged to these two genotypes. Evergreen and Red leaf genotypes had the highest leaf length and leaf width, respectively. The highest seed length and seed width were observed in two wild genotypes of collected barberry. The results of correlation analysis of traits showed that tree growth vigor had a significant positive relationship with berry size, thorn length, seed length, and seed width. Berry firmness had negative correlation with berry length and berry width. On the basis of cluster analysis, genotypes were placed in three groups, so that genotypes from Dolat Abad, Semirom, and Dehaghan regions were placed in a same group. Red leaf and Evergreen genotypes with ornamental application were in another group, and two wild genotypes were also placed in the third group. Eventually, Dolat Abad, Semirom, and Dehaghan genotypes were introduced as the promising genotypes because of seedless berry with the highest berry length and berry width and the most dried barberry per kilogram of fresh berries.

The medicinal plants are utilized globally considering the cheap and chemical free source, but their correct identification and authentication is prerequisite for safety and efficacy of plant-based medicines. The present study encompassed traded medicinal plants (16) with high therapeutic value from diverse families like Brassicaceae, Berberidaceae, Malvaceae, Salicaceae, Myrtaceae, Papilionaceae, Ascelpiadaceae, Colchicaceae, Violaceae, and Vitaceae for detailed microscopic study of characters that is, morphology, pollen shape and sizes, P/E ratio, pore length and width, spine length, colpi dimensions, and exine sculpture pattern. The plants showed noteworthy differences in microscopy of Wattakaka volubilis having pollinia, translator and corpusculum like structures while pores were visible in Colchicum luteum, Alcea rosea, and Hibiscus syriacus. The spines were observed in Centipeda minima, A. rosea, and H. syriacus being dimorphic spines in A. rosea and monomorphic in H. syriacus. The exine sculpturing pattern was reticulate in mostly studied plants however distinctive exine pattern was noted in Berberis aristata and Berberis lyceum. The highest polar diameter, equatorial diameter and exine thickness among studied plants were observed in H. syriacus (161 μm), C. luteum (50 μm) and Vitis jacquemontii (1.10), respectively. Thus, microscopy of medicinal plants in addition to other taxonomic evidence offers a supportive skill in authentication, consequently utilization by local consumers and pharmaceutical industries.

Invasive plant species suppress native trees through a variety of mechanisms. A non-native shrub, Berberis thunbergii, has been shown to depress native tree seedling densities in eastern North American deciduous forests, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We attempted to identify the mechanisms leading to decreased native tree seedling densities in Berberis-invaded understories by experimentally measuring survivorship and growth of three common eastern deciduous tree seedlings, Prunus serotina, Quercus alba, and Q. velutina. First, we reared native tree seedlings in soil samples extracted from Berberis-invaded and control forest plots to determine if early growth and survival varied between medias. Then, we introduced surviving seedlings into three classes of in situ field subplots: control (outside Berberis invasion), invaded (Berberis present), and managed subplots where Berberis removal occurred following non-chemical best practice guidelines. Slight decrease of early-stage seedling survivorship and growth occurred in extracted soils from invaded plots. Seedling survival differed between field subplots, with seedlings either showing no differences between invaded subplots (Q. alba) or faring better (P. serotina and Q. velutina) compared to managed subplots. Invaded subplots were about 1.18–1.30 °C cooler with 583–709 lumens m−2 less light exposure compared to control or managed subplots. Additionally, managed and invaded subplots had increased moisture levels (12.0–14.9%) compared to control subplots. Seedling compromise was due to a legacy effect from Berberis disruption via soil sample extraction and/or management. Our findings contrast with other studies that show dense, invasive species outcompeting native tree seedlings and unsuccessful native restoration in Berberis stands.

Objective We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of barberry supplementation on plasma lipid concentration in adult population. Methods The search included PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar (up to October 2018) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of barberry supplementation on serum lipid parameters. Mean Difference (MD) was pooled using a random-effects model. Results Meta-analysis on 5 RCTs with 339 participants indicated that barberry supplementation significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol (MD: -23.58 mg/dl, 95% CI: -31.00 to -16.16, P ≤ 0.001), triglyceride (MD: -29.16 mg/dl, 95% CI: -42.91 to -15.41, P ≤ 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: -13.75 mg/dl, 95% CI: -19.31 to -8.20, P ≤ 0.001) whereas changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 3.40 mg/dl, 95% CI: -0.06–6.87, P = 0.054) was not statistically significant. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested the efficacy of barberry supplementation on lipid parameters. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results.

Biological screening of different parts of the selected Berberis species (B. brevissima Jafri and B. parkeriana Schneid) showed that methanolic root extract possessed significant efficacy against Meloidogyne javanica (a root knot nematode). From root methanolic extracts of selected Berberis species four isoquinoline alkaloids; jatrorrhizine, dehydrocheilnthifoline, berberine and berberrubine were isolated. Structures of the isolated compounds were determined by using EIMS, 1H and 13C NMR, and other 2D spectroscopic techniques. Percentage juveniles mortality of M. javanica was determined at various concentrations (100, 200 and 300 µg mL-1) using carbofuran as control. Berberine possessed the highest nematicidal activity (71.33%) followed by jatrorrhizine (59.50%). The in vitro results suggested that these compounds from Berberis species could be potential novel nematicides against M. javanica.

A new flavone, berberisinol (1), has been isolated from the EtOAc fraction of the MeOH extract of Berberis baluchistanica, along with known compounds, palmatine (2), berberine (3), 8-oxoberberine (4), β-sitosterol (5), oleanolic acid (6), and gallic acid (7), isolated for the first time from this species. Spectroscopic techniques including two-dimensional NMR were used for structural elucidation. Berberisinol (1) showed significant antibacterial and antioxidant potential.

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the stripe rust pathogen infecting cereal crops and grasses, was believed to have a hemicyclic life cycle consisting of uredinial and telial stages before the recent discovery of barberry (Berberis spp.) as an alternate (aecial) host for the fungus. This discovery has improved the understanding of the biology of the stripe rust pathogen. The Himalayan and near-Himalayan regions of Pakistan, China, and Nepal are considered as the center of diversity for Pst pathogen. High genetic diversity has been reported in these areas, probably resulting from the sexual reproduction of the stripe rust fungus. To determine if Berberis species growing in Pakistan are susceptible to Pst, we collected seeds of five species and two subspecies from the Himalayan region in 2016 and inoculated the seedlings with germinated teliospores of a Pakistani Pst isolate under controlled conditions. Pycnia and aecia were produced on all inoculated plants of these species and subspecies, and were demonstrated as Pst by successful infection of wheat plants with aeciospores. This study showed that the tested Pakistani Berberis species and subspecies are susceptible to Pst under controlled conditions.

Today, pharmacognosy is considered a valuable science in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Among herbals, Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in the Berberis species. Surprisingly, it shows antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiarrheal, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory potential. Furthermore, it diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy and enhances tumor suppression in part through autophagy and cell cycle arrest mechanisms. In the present review, we discuss the effect of berberine on diverse cellular pathways and describe how berberine acts as an autophagy modulator to adjust physiologic and pathologic conditions and diminishes drug resistance in cancer therapy.

Introduction Recently, there has been a growing interest in the use of edible barberry and their extracts as a source of natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical industries. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical constituents of 18 samples of barberry fruits and classification of barberry genotypes by multivariate analysis. Methods Total phenolic, total flavonoid, total anthocyanin, total tannin, total carbohydrate contents and antioxidant activity were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu, aluminum chloride, colorimetric, vanillin, anthron and DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assays, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system is used for quantitative determination of phytochemical constituents. The multivariate data analysis (principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis) and heat map data visualisation techniques were performed to classify barberry genotypes using Minitab and GraphPad Prism software, respectively. Results The highest amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids were obtained in fruit extracts of G3 (Berberis vulgaris). The highest total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity were observed in G8 (B. vulgaris) and G16 (B. vulgaris), respectively. HPLC analysis of phytochemicals (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, rutin, apigenin, and quercetin) revealed that gallic acid and p-coumaric acid were found as the most abundant phytochemical compounds. Based on multivariate analysis and heat map visualisation techniques, Berberis genotypes were classified into three main clusters. Conclusions These results showed that barberry species (especially B. vulgaris and B. carataegina) are promising sources of natural antioxidants and biochemical compounds beneficial to be used in the food industry and that the multivariate analysis was a suitable approach to classify the barberry samples.

Seven known isoquinoline alkaloids 1-7 were isolated from the root extracts of Berberis parkeriana Schneid. Nine new derivatives 8-16 of one of the isolated compounds, jatrorrhizine (7), were synthesized. All the isolated as well as derivatized compounds were evaluated for their in-vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity. Functionalized compounds selectively exhibited a potent-to-moderate activity with IC

A comprehensive study of bioactive compounds was carried out in the leaves of the main Berberis species growing in Chile (Berberis microphylla, Berberis darwinii, Berberis empetrifolia, Berberis trigona, and the introduced Berberis vulgaris). We identified 117 compounds, by a detailed analysis of each molecule, including phenolic acids, alkaloids, flavonols, and other compounds, using high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Quantitative analysis of main compound was also included for all species. Hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives were the main compounds in all the studied leaves, with the highest concentration in Berberis microphylla. Quercetin derivatives were the most relevant flavonols in all species, except in Berberis vulgaris, in which isorhamnetin-3-rutinoside was the most concentrated. The fatty acid profile, determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry revealed the presence of linoleic and linolenic acids in all species studied. Berberis vulgaris showed higher levels of these fatty acids. The antioxidant capacity, explored by three in vitro methods, showed high values for all studied Berberis species. The obtained levels are higher than those of other prominent foods. The findings will inform novel approaches for the valorization of these leaves as natural food or ingredient.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic auto-immune disease, is often result of persistent and misdirectional inflammation and cannot be effectually resolved by single-target selective drugs. Present study attempted to uncover anti-arthritic efficacy and governing molecular mechanism of BLFE and its phytoconstituents berberine and rutin, with focus on dysregulated oxi-inflammation and structural integrity during articular damage using Collagen II-CFA-induced RA mice model. NMR-based phytometabolomic analysis revealed presence of phenolics and alkaloids such as berberine and rutin. BLFE, rutin and berberine remarkably mitigated Collagen II-CFA-induced disease severity index, articular damage, immune cells influx and pannus formation. An effective decrease in levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, IL-13, IL-17, MMPs, RORγt, Ob-cadherin, Cox-2, iNOS and enhancement in IL-10, IL-4 and IL-5, BMP-6/7 was observed in BLFE, rutin and berberine treatments. Molecular mechanistic analysis demonstrated reduction in expression of p-STAT-1/3, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-JNK, p-p38, p-IκB, p-NF-κB and β-catenin via BLFE, rutin and berberine. Furthermore, reduced activation of p-ERK and p-GSK3β and enhanced splenic Tregs was only noticed in BLFE and berberine. Thus, the signifying presence of these phytoconstituents could contribute to the above-mentioned findings. These findings imply that BLFE could be beneficial for assuaging deleterious aspects of RA mediated via perturbed inflammation.

BackgroundAn ethnobotanical expedition was conducted to document the traditional ethnobotanical (TEB) uses of wild flora of Dawarian and Ratti Gali villages of District Neelam, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Pakistan. District Neelam has rich plant diversity and is hub of many endemic plant species while the study areas are not yet explored. The research area: Dawarian and Rati Gali (DRG) area is mountaineous terrain and villages are located on far and farther distances. DRG area has rich biocultural and plant diversity comprising of different ethnic groups of Kashmir state. The current research was aimed to explore and document traditional medicines (TEMs) and other domestic and commercial uses of wild plants. This study will assist to evaluate conservation and commercial worth of wild flora which can be potential candidate for drug discovery through ethnopharmacological analysis.MethodsThe current quantitative ethnobotanical research was carried out in 2018 by interviewing 150 indigenous informants (90 male and 60 female) of DRG area using questionnaire applying structured and semi structured interview methodology. Data analysis was analyzed by using quantitative ethnobotanical statistical tools such as fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor (ICF), Spearman’s rank correlation (SRC) and data matrix ranking (DMR).ResultsThe indigenous people of DRG area use wild plants in their daily life to cope life necessities i.e. food, vegetables, fodder, fuel, shelter, timber and herbal medicines. TEMs are primarily used to cure different infirmities like diabetics, asthma, dysentery, constipation, cold, fever, joint pain, wound healing, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, epilepsy, kidney infections and many types of skin diseases. Current study revealed the data of 103 wild plants species belonging to 46 plant families from selected areas of District Neelum, AJK. Results depicted that Asteraceae ranked 1st(12 plants spp). Among plant parts used leaf ranked 1st(18%), followed by seed (17%) and root (13%). While prevalent form recipe mode was decoction (20%), followed by powder (17%) and extract (14%) and fodder was highest (37%) EB use-form fodder, followed by food (32%) and fuel (17%). Quantitative ethnobotanical analysis (QEA) was carried to find the reliability and novelty of the study. Five plant species includingBerberis lyceum(FL = 97.78%),Isodon rugosus(FL = 95.71%),Saussurea lappa(FL = 94.74%),Aconitum heterophyllum(FL = 92.71%) andTaxus baccata(91.58%) had shown high fidelity level which confirmed that these plants have high medicinal worth in study area. The highest value (0.94) of ICF was for diseases group “tuberculosis and leucorrhea”, followed by stomachache and flatulence (0.93), diabetics and blood pressure (0.92) and asthma and chest infections (0.88). For other uses fuel with ICF (0.83) ranked first and second was hedging and thatching (ICF = 0.82) where people use plants or their parts for construction. Spearman’s rank correlation (SRC) test indicated that number of TEB uses increases if number of species is increased. Jaccard index (JI) analysis depicted that 56.31% plants are being used as TEMs which are first time explored from the study area. While 26.21% plants are being used in different TEB uses which are different from past cited literature. These novel findings of research indicate that wild flora of the study area has great potential for novel drug discovery and provision of materialist services for the indigenous communities.ConclusionThe present research revealed that TEMs uses of 58 plants are novel being first time reported from the study area (DRG) of District Neelam of AJK. The results showed that plants likeAcer cappadocicum,Ajuga bracteosaandSwertia paniculataare used to cure diabetes,Viscum album,Viola canescens,Taxus baccataare used for cure of cancer,Isodon rugosus,Polygala chinensisare used in TEMs for treating cardiovascular disorders andAnaphalis triplinervisis used for epilepsy.Berberis lyceum,Ajuga bracteosa,Aconitum heterophyllum,Bistorta amplexicaule,Saussurea lapaandJurinea dolomiaeaare severely threatened and there is urgent need to do conservation measures for available of valuable MPs to the indigenous communities for life necessities and for future research. The current study will also be useful addition in ethnobotanical database, preservation of traditional culture and drug discovery and drug development through future ethnopharmacological research.

Berberis integerrima commonly known as "barberry" belongs to the Berberidaceae family and has been used as a medicinal plant in Iranian traditional medicine.Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of barberry consumption on blood pressure (BP).Eighty-four medicated hypertensive patients were selected and randomly allocated to barberry and placebo groups. The barberry group received 10 g/day dried purple-black barberry powder, once daily, for 2-months. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP was assessed through 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring before and after 2-month treatment. The estimation of sodium and potassium intake was done through measurement of sodium and potassium in 24-h urinary samples. Plasma and urinary nitrite, and nitrate (NOx) levels, as well as plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, were also determined.Seventy-eight participants with an average age of 54.12 ± 10.32 years and BMI of 27.93 ± 2.22 kg/mIn patients treated with antihypertensive drugs, daily consumption of purple-black barberry can be effective in improving systolic BP control.

Organic substrates are gaining popularity as a means of mitigating the negative effects of cadmium (Cd) stress on plant growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate the physio-biochemical attributes of Berberis integerrima bunge under Cd-contaminated soil. The pot experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replicates. Cd stress was used as cadmium chloride (CdCl2) at 10, 20, and 30 mg Cd kg−1 dry soil. Biochar was applied at the doses of 125 g per pot, and vermicompost was used at the doses of 250 g per pot separately, and for their combination, they were used as 125 g per pot of BC + 250 g per pot of VC. The results showed higher Cd accumulation in both roots and leaves when the soil was polluted with Cd concentrations, but both BC and VC decreased the Cd accumulation in plant tissues. Although chlorophyll content and relative water content (RWC) decreased at 20 and 30 mg Cd kg−1 soil, BC and VC, particularly their combination, increased these traits. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was observed in plants exposed to 20 mg Cd kg−1 soil and combined BC and VC. The total flavonoid content (TFC) was increased to 20 mg Cd kg−1 soil and then decreased to 30 mg Cd kg−1 soil. In addition, organic fertilizer promoted the plants’ high accumulation of TFC. The greater activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were observed at 30 mg Cd kg−1 soil when organic substrates were added. The present study suggests the use of combined BC and VC lead to alleviate the adverse effects of Cd stress in B. integerrima.

ObjectivesPrepare various solvent extracts of Berberis royleana (areal part of plant) to determine the in vitro antibacterial potential of methanolic, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane and water extracts of B. royleana against various bacterial isolates and Compare the efficacy of outstanding antimicrobial extracts of B. royleana with commonly used antibiotics. Berberis species are medicinally important plants, produce various metabolites and used as treatment for multiple complications. Berberis royleana is a rare specie belongs to genus Berberis.MethodsIn the current study the areal parts of the plant were isolated to explore antibacterial activities. Antibacterial activities were done using standard procedures. The antibacterial activities of different fractions were tested by 100 μg methanolic, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane and water fractions of B. royleana against bacterial isolates Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhi and Proteus spp. The ciprofloxacin (5μg) was used as a positive control and DMSO as a negative control.ResultsAll fractions showed zone of inhibition against the growth of tested bacterial isolates. Methanolic fractions have maximum ZI against S. aureus and K. pneumoniae (25.7±1.5 mm), S. aureus (23±2.7), Salmonella Typhi (25±1), water fraction have Klebsiella pneumoniae (24.4 ±2.5), Salmonella Typhi (23 ±1 mm), S. aureus (21±2.8 mm) and the n-hexane fraction exhibits ZI against K. pneumoniae (24.7±1.5), Salmonella Typhi (24±2) S. aureus, ethyl acetate maximum zone against E. coli (16.6±3.1) and chloroform fraction showed maximum ZI against S. Typhi (21.6±3.3).ConclusionFrom current report it may be concluded that B. royleana extracts have medicinally effective potentials against drugs resistant bacteria.

Pyranoanthocyanins are anthocyanin-derived pigments with higher stability to pH and storage. However, their slow formation and scarcity in nature hinder their industrial application. Pyranoanthocyanin formation can be accelerated by selecting anthocyanin substitutions, cofactor concentrations, and temperature. Limited information is available on the impacts of the chemical structure of the cofactor and anthocyanin, therefore, we evaluated their impacts on pyranoanthocyanin formation efficiency under conditions reported as favorable for the reaction. Different cofactors were evaluated including pyruvic acid, acetone, and hydroxycinnamic acids (p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, and sinapic acid) by incubating them with anthocyanins in a molar ratio of 1:30 (anthocyanin:cofactor), pH 3.1, and 45 °C. The impact of the anthocyanin aglycone was evaluated by incubating delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, or malvidin derivatives with the most efficient cofactor (caffeic acid) under identical conditions. Pigments were identified using UHPLC-PDA and tandem mass spectrometry, and pyranoanthocyanin formation was monitored for up to 72 h. Pyranoanthocyanin yields were the highest with caffeic acid (~17% at 72 h, p &lt, 0.05). When comparing anthocyanins, malvidin-3-O-glycosides yielded twice as many pyranoanthocyanins after 24 h (~20%, p &lt, 0.01) as cyanidin-3-O-glycosides. Petunidin- and delphinidin-3-O-glycosides yielded &lt, 2% pyranoanthocyanins. This study demonstrated the importance of anthocyanin and cofactor selection in pyranoanthocyanin production.